Introduction

The benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) are significant for voluntary and community sector organisations (VCOs). However, it can equally pose major problems, particularly for small to medium sized VCOs, because of the high costs of accessing expertise. Without this, organisations cannot realise the potential of ICT, develop effective systems, or maintain them efficiently.

This publication aims to inspire organisations to see collaboration as a potential solution to the ICT issues they face. Research has been conducted to identify examples of collaboration in the sector. It outlines what organisations can learn from these to enable effective ICT use and support, with case studies as illustrations. Full versions of these case studies are available at www.icthub.org.uk/publications. Some examples may be suitable to replicate or adapt, and some of them are open to new members joining.

Context

ICT is part of everyday life for voluntary and community sector organisations (VCOs) of all sizes. It touches every aspect of running an organisation from accounting, communications and marketing, to office procedures and networking dispersed teams in the field. However, with greater reliance on ICT comes a greater need for effective support. It is important to consider not just technical support (for when things go wrong) but all aspects of ICT support including:

• Procurement and purchasing decisions
• Staff and volunteer training
• Security
• Strategic planning

Without support in all these areas, ICT can quickly become much more of a hindrance than a help, costing an organisation time and money. Individual support organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors can and do provide ICT support to VCOs – whether this is grant-funded or sponsored and therefore free to the user, consultancy-based, or membership-based. However, there is significant potential for a more collaborative approach within the sector itself, which may offer:

• increased efficiency
• lower costs
• reduced duplication
• effective exchange of relevant information and best practice
• better understanding of the issues faced by VCOs through the experience of those collaborating